[BayDriverSF]

Does anyone "pre-brake" as well? I come from a manual car (Audi S4), so I got used to doing this. I'm usually in D shift mode. When approaching a stop from high speed (off ramp for example), I use the left paddle shifter to downshift to the lowest gear it will let me, and continue to downshift further as the stop comes closer. By the time I actually have to brake, I'm only at 35 mph instead of 90 mph. I figure in the long run it'll spare my brakes, but shouldn't impact the gears much. Also, less brake dust.

[Crumbs]

I do this time to time but not habitually.

[Alberta]

Same for me.

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by BayDriverSF

Does anyone "pre-brake" as well? I come from a manual car (Audi S4), so I got used to doing this. I'm usually in D shift mode. When approaching a stop from high speed (off ramp for example), I use the left paddle shifter to downshift to the lowest gear it will let me, and continue to downshift further as the stop comes closer. By the time I actually have to brake, I'm only at 35 mph instead of 90 mph. I figure in the long run it'll spare my brakes, but shouldn't impact the gears much. Also, less brake dust.

The term you are looking for here is, engine braking.

I do it all the time, but if you are looking to do it to save wear on the brakes, it just adds more wear on the clutch/transmission so it's pretty much a wash (except brake pads are way cheaper to replace).

[AGS]

Yes, I engine break a fair amount. It's also good to coast like you mentioned to make the best use of BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration feature. Here's s snippet from the BMW Technology Insights website:

Make use of every watt: by charging the battery only when your BMW is braking, coasting or decelerating, Brake Energy Regeneration improves fuel efficiency by up to three percent and ensures that the full power of your engine is available for acceleration.

Today's vehicles require much more electrical energy than older models, due to the much wider array of electric and electronic on-board comfort and safety systems. This energy is created by the generator (also known as the alternator) which converts the engine's power output into electricity. In conventional systems, the generator is permanently driven by a belt connected to the engine.
BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration operates differently: the generator is activated only when you take your foot from the accelerator or apply the brake. The kinetic energy that would otherwise go to waste is now used efficiently, converted into electricity by the generator and stored in the battery.

Producing electricity in this highly efficient way delivers an additional advantage: when you apply the accelerator, the generator is deactivated - so the full power of the engine can be directed to the drive wheels. Brake Energy Regeneration thus increases fuel efficiency while simultaneously enhancing driving dynamics. As a safety precaution, the Brake Energy Regeneration system monitors the level of battery charge and will, if necessary, continue to charge the battery even during acceleration to prevent a complete discharging of the battery.

[dougpaper]

i have the transmission set to the 3 position and drive in sport. around town it downshifts quickly on its own. Some lights i can cruise up to and almost comes to a stop without touching brakes.

[scott.bednorz]

I do it to prevent all the damn brake dust from accumulating on the wheels!

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by scott.bednorz

I do it to prevent all the damn brake dust from accumulating on the wheels!

And it sounds cooler.

[Fantastic 5]

I drive manual always....so I always engine brake. I've always done so on all my cars. Gets me to 30000 miles before changing brakes.

[dappercivility]

Originally Posted by BayDriverSF

Does anyone "pre-brake" as well? I come from a manual car (Audi S4), so I got used to doing this. I'm usually in D shift mode. When approaching a stop from high speed (off ramp for example), I use the left paddle shifter to downshift to the lowest gear it will let me, and continue to downshift further as the stop comes closer. By the time I actually have to brake, I'm only at 35 mph instead of 90 mph. I figure in the long run it'll spare my brakes, but shouldn't impact the gears much. Also, less brake dust.

I try not to do tat as I feel it would wear out the gearbox. I rather wear down the brakes as it was designed and meant to in the first place.

[MoeMuc]

I do that too. As long is you dont downshift it in the hardest mode at high revs it shouldnt wear your gearbox.
I usally downshift at about 3000-3500rpm to the next lower gear.
Espascially during the break-in it could help to get all that little abrasion that accoures during the break in, out of the cylinders, due to the heat and the vaccum you have by using the engine break.

[Holset]

Not using the brakes is bad for them.
You must exercise them regularly and brake hard once in a while ,this is to get some movement i the caliper pistons and to get a clean rust free surface on the discs.

[lsal]

Aren't pads cheaper than tranny?

[TrevorM3]

lol. i can't believe someone who has an m5 is worried about brake pads.

[Fantastic 5]

Nah not worried, i engine brake to have full control of the car as much as possible in an automatic.

[FourPtDrift]

Originally Posted by BayDriverSF

Does anyone "pre-brake" as well? I come from a manual car (Audi S4), so I got used to doing this. I'm usually in D shift mode. When approaching a stop from high speed (off ramp for example), I use the left paddle shifter to downshift to the lowest gear it will let me, and continue to downshift further as the stop comes closer. By the time I actually have to brake, I'm only at 35 mph instead of 90 mph. I figure in the long run it'll spare my brakes, but shouldn't impact the gears much. Also, less brake dust.

Highly, highly, not recommended. Please do not do this. This is neither safe nor efficient.

“Engine braking” (as was correctly identified by another forum member) uses the most powerful expensive mechanical components in your car for braking.

1.) your engine, transmission and related drive train components cost more than any of your brake system components, combined. Certainly there is a huge price delta between pads and damn near everything else.

2.) never ride your brakes. The very act of braking upsets the balance of the car and transfers weight to the front of the car. When it’s time to brake, brake. Condition yourself to find a happy medium where you can alternate throttle application on and off and only go for the brake pedal when you truly need to decelerate and stop.

3.) as was pointed out, brakes benefit from regular use. Pads should be properly seated with rotors. Good, consisten and even regularly interspersed heavy braking will get you to this state. Light braking will never get the brake system in its best shape.

4.) brakes are intended to be a consumable item component to regular car maintenance. Treating them as something to spare is wrong and ultimately not safe.

5.) take a BMW CCA driving school. You will learn all of this and much more, lots of fun, too!

Enjoy!

[FourPtDrift]

Originally Posted by Fantastic 5

Nah not worried, i engine brake to have full control of the car as much as possible in an automatic.

You’re not controlling anything with engine braking. Decelerate with the brake system and place yourself in the correct gear for acceleration. Keep the car balanced and manage weight transfer.

[FourPtDrift]

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

lol. i can't believe someone who has an m5 is worried about brake pads.

Right.

[BrntRubber]

I engine brake with all my cars. Sounds good too

[carseatsm5]

I’m very surprised at the number of people who do this. Brakes are (relatively) cheap and designed for braking. Transmissions are expensive and not designed for braking. I’m no mechanic but I don’t think you should make a habit out of this practice.

[FourPtDrift]

Originally Posted by BrntRubber

I engine brake with all my cars. Sounds good too

Sounds horribly unsafe and the mark of an inexperienced driver.

[crypto]

Originally Posted by FourPtDrift

Sounds horribly unsafe and the mark of an inexperienced driver.

This seems rather dramatic. Horribly unsafe? I'm interested to see how you would you describe drunk driving and drifting at 90 mph on the highway.